Tag: stem

A conversation with Lauren Eatwell, Head of WindWings at BAR Technologies

Posted on by Megan Cliff

On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re reminded that women still make up less than a third of the global STEM workforce, and far fewer in engineering and technology. The gap doesn’t start with ability. Girls do just as well in science at school. It starts with confidence, visibility and opportunity.

We sat down with Lauren Eatwell, Head of WindWings at BAR Technologies, to talk about curiosity, confidence, climate solutions and what really helps girls see themselves in STEM. For Lauren, science clicked through problem-solving. Maths, mechanics and physics appealed because they allowed her to work things out, not memorise answers. That same curiosity now underpins her career in engineering. 

That same mindset now shapes how Lauren thinks about some of the biggest challenges facing the world today, particularly climate change and sustainability. For her, science and engineering are powerful because they allow us to approach problems from different angles.

“If we want to think about things in new and different ways, we need as many varied brains and experiences applied to it as possible.”

Diversity isn’t just about representation, it strengthens outcomes.

“As with anything in life, success comes not just from good ideas, but from being able to realise them through collaboration and communication. Diverse teams bring real strength to companies.”

For girls deciding whether STEM is for them, visibility can be the deciding factor, this is where representation really matters.

“Seeing women across the full spectrum of roles hopefully inspires more girls to embrace those paths”

Her advice to girls is simple: “Don’t worry about where you fit or where you’ll end up, I’m confident no one really knows that. Keep making decisions that let you follow interesting work and studies. If you enjoy STEM subjects, you’ll have a solid foundation that can take you in so many different career directions.”

Lauren’s journey shows what’s possible when curiosity is encouraged and pathways are visible. And on International Day of Women and Girls in Science, her message is clear:

“STEM needs girls’ ideas, voices and talent, now more than ever”

At the 1851 Trust we’re passionate about supporting all young people see themselves in STEM, the gender gap in STEM isn’t about talent. It’s about opening doors and making sure girls know they belong.

Watch Lauren’s interview here

Empowering Primary Science: Why Confidence, Context and Curiosity Matter More Than Ever

Posted on by Megan Cliff

At the 1851 Trust, we believe science should be experienced, not just taught.
Through Sport Inspired Learning, we connect real-world performance, teamwork, and innovation to classroom science — helping young people see how physics, engineering, and sustainability come to life through sport.

That’s why the findings from the State of Primary Science in the UK 2025 report by the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) resonate so strongly with us. The report highlights progress — but also some urgent challenges that every educator, policymaker, and charity partner must take seriously.

Here are five key insights that stood out, and what they mean for the future of science teaching.

1. Science is finally getting more airtime — and that’s progress

More schools now have a designated science lead, and weekly lessons are becoming the norm. That means more opportunities for pupils to explore, question, and experiment — the very heart of great science learning.

Our view: Structure is vital, but it’s the spark that turns structure into engagement. That’s why our STEM Crew resources are packed with hands-on, context based learning that make science feel exciting and relevant from day one.

2. Confidence counts — and too many teachers are losing it

Despite more provision, teacher confidence in teaching science is falling. Many educators say they don’t feel equipped to deliver engaging, practical science lessons.

Our view: You don’t have to be a scientist to inspire scientists. Our free classroom resources, videos, and assemblies are designed to give teachers everything they need to bring science to life — even if it’s not your specialist subject.

 3. Unequal access to CPD and mentoring is holding schools back

Teachers who aren’t science leads often lack access to mentoring or subject-specific CPD. This can make science feel isolating or less supported than literacy or maths.

Our view: Every teacher deserves to feel confident leading science. We’re working to make our professional learning opportunities more accessible, with training and events that connect science to sport, engineering, and sustainability.

4. Leadership makes all the difference

Schools with strong science leadership report better outcomes across the board — from teacher confidence to enrichment activities like outdoor learning.

Our view: Leadership inspires culture. We love supporting Science leads, over 40% of UK schools use our resources that champion collaborative, practical, and curiosity-driven science.

5. We must close the access gap

The report shows big disparities in resources and enrichment opportunities between schools and regions. Too often, access to hands-on science depends on where you live. 

Our view: Science provision shouldn’t be a postcode lottery. The 1851 Trust is committed to removing barriers — offering free digital resources, in-school STEM Crew Live events, and assemblies that reach every type of school and student as we believe that STEM should be for everyone. 

The message is clear, when science is hands-on, connected to the real world, and full of curiosity, young people thrive.


Explore our library of free STEM Crew resources for your classroom
👉 www.stemcrew.org.uk

Together, We Can Create Lasting Change

Posted on by Megan Cliff

Sometimes all it takes is one story, one voice, one role model to spark a young person’s belief in themselves. For girls especially, seeing women succeed at the highest level — in sport, in science, in leadership — can be life-changing.

That’s why athletes like Hannah Mills OBE matter so much. As one of the most successful female Olympic sailors in history, Hannah isn’t just a champion on the water — she’s a champion for change. She speaks out on climate action, mentors young people, and shows that determination and courage can open doors far beyond sport. For a teenage girl wondering if she belongs in STEM, or whether her voice is strong enough to make a difference, Hannah’s example says: yes, you do, and yes, it is.


And the impact goes far beyond Hannah alone. Research shows that 70% of girls feel more confident to follow their dreams when they see women leading the way, yet women currently represent just 28% of the STEM workforce (WISE, 2023) and fewer than 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs(Fortune, 2024). In sport, women still receive less than 10% of media coverage.  That’s why role models — whether they’re athletes, engineers, scientists or entrepreneurs — are so powerful. They help young people, especially young women, picture themselves in spaces they might not otherwise imagine.

At the 1851 Trust, this is at the heart of our mission: to use the power of sport to inspire the next generation in STEM and climate education. We know that when students connect the excitement of high-performance sport with science, engineering and technology, their curiosity grows — and so does their belief in what’s possible for their own futures.

That’s exactly why we created the “Use Your Voice” resource on STEMCrew. Featuring Hannah Mills and other inspirational athletes, it’s designed to help students explore how personal stories, science, and sport can combine to make a real difference in the world. It’s not just about learning — it’s about giving young people the confidence to speak up, take action, and dream bigger.

So the question is: how will you use your influence? Whether you’re a teacher, parent, coach or mentor, every encouragement you give matters. Together, we can help young people find their voice, follow their passions, and shape a better future.

👉 Explore the free “Use Your Voice” resource here: STEMCrew.org

STEM Crew Live Brings Sport-Inspired Learning to Life for Portsmouth Students

Posted on by Megan Cliff

1851 Trust and Howden Join Forces to Empower the Next Generation through SPORT

Portsmouth, UK July 2025

At the historic Royal Naval Dockyard 120 local students aged 11–14 from local secondary schools stepped into the thrilling world of high-performance sport and science this week as STEM Crew Live arrived in Portsmouth. Delivered by the 1851 Trust and supported by Howden, a global insurance intermediary group, , this two-day interactive event harnessed the power of sport to ignite ambition, build confidence, and break down barriers to STEM education and broaden horizons to a range of future careers.

Transforming Perceptions through Sport-Inspired Learning
Founded by Olympic legend and Emirates GBR SailGP Team CEO Sir Ben Ainslie, the 1851 Trust uses sport inspired learning to help young people see themselves in the world of science, innovation, and sustainability. STEM Crew Live goes beyond the textbook, giving students access to athletes, and hands-on activities that mirror real-world challenges, it is designed to make STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects real, relatable, and inspiring unlocking potential and building confidence in the young people we meet.

At STEM Crew Live Portsmouth young people explored the big question of the day, “How do we mitigate against risk”.  Through four hands on sessions across the two days, from boat and sail design where students competed for the fastest design of the day, to wind tunnel experiments and a careers speed networking session with professionals across sailing, maritime and insurance, students explored how risk is managed both in high performance sport and the insurance world. With support from a team of Howden professionals alongside SailGP athletes like Hannah Mills and Ben Cornish students discovered the parallels between sport, business, and science.

The young people were given an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the British team’s SailGP tech base, seeing the Emirates GBR F50 boat up close, meeting team members and finding out how they take their team off grid at all events through a solar and wind turbine installation created by Low Carbon.  

“There’s a perception around some jobs and industries that you need certain qualifications or specific skillsets. What we hope young people take away from events like these is the breadth of career paths and opportunities in industries like insurance. There’s something for everyone – if you’ve got the right passion and attitude, there are no limits to what you can achieve.

Being able to bring this to life through the high-quality immersive experience the 1851 Trust and Emirates GBR created for the young people today was really special. The wide-eyed smiles and unwavering engagement throughout the day told me that this will stick in their minds for a very long time.” – Hayley Langston, Group Head of Social Impact, Howden

“All young people deserve access to powerful, future-shaping experiences, especially those from communities that are historically underserved or underrepresented.  By connecting young people with real-life role models we spark ambition, build confidence, and show them that they belong in these spaces,” Jo Grindley CEO 1851 Trust. 

Portsmouth has one of the highest rates of child poverty in the South of England. STEM Crew Live directly targets schools with high pupil premium and free school meal rates to ensure that those who stand to gain the most have access to this transformative experience.  With over 40% of UK secondary schools already using the 1851 Trust’s free digital STEM Crew resources, this STEM Crew Live is part of a national mission to close opportunity gaps, build essential life skills, and inspire futures in science, green skills, and maritime innovation.